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Designated Activities (特定活動)
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Designated Activities (特定活動)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-2 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥11,500

Stay Duration

5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Flexible catch-all residency category for individuals whose activities fall outside standard visa types, with stay periods of 3 months to 5 years set individually.

The Designated Activities (特定活動) status is a flexible, catch-all residency category granted by Japan's Minister of Justice to nationals whose activities do not fit any standard category. It covers job-hunting graduates, pre-employment waiting periods, paid internships, and government-approved programs.

Stay periods range from 3 months to 5 years as individually designated. The government fee is ¥6,000 (in-person) or ¥5,500 (online) for a change of status or extension. Activities are strictly limited to the approved purpose; any change requires a new application. Spouses may work under restricted conditions.

This visa is ideal for international graduates job-hunting in Japan, interns, or those in transition whose situation does not fit a standard work or student category.

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Cost Breakdown

In-person application fee (for change of status or extension)JPY ¥6,000
Online application fee (for change of status or extension)JPY ¥5,500
TotalJPY ¥11,500

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Japan flagJapan

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Validity5 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport and residence card

Proof of specific activity (e.g., job search records, internship agreement, or employment offer)

Evidence of financial stability to support stay

University graduation certificate (for job-hunting category)

Letter of recommendation from educational institution (for job-hunting category)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Provides a legal pathway for activities not covered by standard visa categories
  • Allows international graduates to remain in Japan to continue job hunting
  • Offers flexibility for unique situations like internships or pre-employment waiting periods

Worth Knowing

  • Activities are strictly limited to the specific purpose approved by the Minister of Justice
  • Work authorization is not automatic and often requires separate permission for limited hours
  • Changing the nature of your activities requires a new application for a change of status

Application Process

1

Identify the specific 'Designated Activities' category applicable to your situation

2

Gather required supporting documentation based on the specific activity

3

Submit application for change of status or extension to the local Immigration Services Agency

4

Respond to any requests for additional information from immigration officials

5

Collect the new residence card upon approval

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